Bonsall bird tests positive for West Nile virus

SAN DIEGO — County Vector Control officials have announced that two Western Scrub Jays, one found in Bonsall and one in El Cajon, have tested positive for West Niles virus.

“We encourage residents to continue reporting dead birds. Last year we saw the majority of dead birds reported in September and October,” says Gary Erbeck, Director of the County Department of Environmental Health. “The dead bird reports help us to identify communities where West Nile virus is most active.”

Vector Control continues to pick up and test crows, ravens, jays, hawks, owls and falcons to monitor the spread of the virus. The public is encouraged to report dead birds that meet the following criteria: the bird has been dead for less that 24 hours, does not have a foul odor, is not covered with ants or flies, is not stiff; and the body is intact and has not been hit by a car, has not been shot or killed by animals. All other dead birds should be placed in a plastic bag and discarded in a covered trash can. While it is not possible to contract West Nile virus from dead birds, disposable gloves should be worn if forced to handle birds.

Individuals are encouraged to protect themselves from mosquito bites by wearing insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus; wearing long sleeves and long pants when outside, especially at dawn and dusk; and ensuring windows and screens are well maintained to keep mosquitoes from entering homes. Residents are also asked to eliminate mosquito breeding sites around homes and use mosquito-eating fish in unused swimming pools, ponds and fountains.

To report dead birds or mosquito breeding sites please call County Vector Control at (888) 551-INFO (4636). Dead birds can also be reported on the county’s West Nile virus Web site at http://www.SDFightTheBite.com.